Accident Details
On the day of the accident, an air taxi scheduled commuter pilot was conducting a takeoff from a 1,625-foot-long gravel airstrip with six passengers and some cargo aboard. The pilot attempted the takeoff with nearly a direct tailwind of approximately 10 knots. Witnesses reported that the airplane lifted off the runway twice, then settled back onto the surface before eventually going off the end of the runway. The aircraft came to rest about 1,300 feet from the departure end of the strip.
Engine and Pilot Observations
All witnesses, as well as the pilot, stated that the engine appeared to be operating normally and was at a high power setting throughout the takeoff attempt. An Alaska State Trooper pilot landed shortly after the accident and spoke with the pilot and witnesses, including another air taxi pilot. The witnesses all stated that the accident pilot had taken off downwind.
Pilot Interview
During the interview with the Trooper pilot, the accident pilot was asked how he determined the direction of the wind prior to takeoff. The pilot replied that he had looked at the windsock while on the ramp. However, the Trooper noted that the interview took place on the ramp and that the windsock was not visible from that location due to high vegetation.